1988 Mazda 323 Reviews - Page 5 of 6

1988 Mazda 323 SE 1.6L from North America

Summary:

Faults:

When I got the car home after I bought it, the next day it wouldn't start. The coil wire was spitting sparks out the side. I replaced it, and it has started reliably since.

The clutch was not grabbing until the very top of the pedal. I adjusted it and could drive normally.

The front suspension makes rackety noises as I go around a turn. The previous owner says that this is the U-joints, and that the car has been doing that for two years, at 100 miles per day. This is scheduled to be repaired next month, when I can afford it.

The parking lot bumper side trim has come off. Oh Well.

The radiator is leaking a little. I put water in. The previous owner said that this was a replacement radiator. I need to check the installation.

The stereo is original, and the tape player is broken, as well as the left channel. Annoying.

Some of the glass lenses on the running lights are holed, and I will need to replace them.

General Comments:

I bought this car for $700 and I did not expect that it would be in as good condition as it is. 212K miles, and the paint is shiny, the body is straight, except for parking lot dings. The interior has no rips or worn-out seats or such, except for the steering wheel, but a cover fixed that. I need to make some repairs, but overall, the condition is impressive.

The styling is late eighties euro-sedan. This is a four-door, with a folding back-seat. It swallowed a full size futon and frame, with room for a passenger. It is a comfortable car, and the driving position is excellent for my 6-foot frame. The mirrors rock. I have been told that the back seats are big enough for people my size. My 400 lb. 6'2" roommate said that he can fit into my car, and that he would own one.

I haven't had this car above 70 MPH. So I don't know about the autobahn characteristics of the car. I do know that in town, from stop light to stoplight, I can (usually) get out in front of the next car. I do get pushed back into the seat!

Even though the previous owner was an abusive and neglectful owner, this car survived his not caring for the car. That this car has as few mechanical and body/trim/interior problems as it does, is a tribute to the excellence of it's manufacture. That it is geared to be a performer in traffic, with acceleration, cornering, and great brakes (150 ft stop from 60 MPH) (turning circle radius=15.7 feet!) makes this a car that can stand up to the 21st century. Plus, there is no dangly stuff to scrape when you hit one of them parking lot hazards.

My research shows that there are various models of this car, so find the one that you like, but you will be happy with this one!

1988 Mazda 323 Turbo 4x4 1.6 16v turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The most capable car £500 will buy

Faults:

Rust here and there.

What do you want for £500?

General Comments:

This car is a reliable, capable little rocket that is great fun to drive. Looks naff, but packs a 135 bhp 1.6 turbo motor, permanent 4wd and 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. Destroys 5 GT Turbos, Nova GTE's etc, especially in the wet, and doesn't blow up every week either. Handling is amusing with shedloads of grip eventually giving way to a 4 wheel drift which is so controllable. Run it on cheap remoulds and it all happens at nice safe speeds.

Treat it to an oil change twice a year and plugs / air filter once a year and it just keeps on going. Zero oil consumption, zero breakdowns - typical Japanese efficiency. Mind you it will do 22mpg if you really give it death.

Must go - have a 5 turbo to bait on the way home. And he'll lose, just like he lost yesterday.

14th Oct 2002, 08:01

I have a Mazda 323 and will be able to post some comments for you, but was wondering if you may be able to place me in contact with the person who wrote the last set of comments stating that he blew up his gearbox.

If not I shall happily write some comments, but ask to put in a message to the writer at the end.